Italy Facts

Italian is the official language however many people speak English in the larger cities.

Currency

Euro (EUR) €

Gratuity Tips

Service charges are included in your restaurant bill, so you are not expected to tip. It is common practice, however, to leave a small amount. In bars, Italians will usually leave any small change as a tip, but this is by no means obligatory. Be aware that prices in Italian bars double (sometimes even triple) if you sit down. Tipping taxi drivers is not common practice, but your hotel porter will expect a little something.

Banks, Credit Cards, ATMs

Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover and Diners Club, are widely accepted. Check with your credit card company for merchant acceptability and other facilities which may be available.

Clothing Requirements

Lightweight cottons and linens are recommended during the summer months which can get hot. During the winter months, lightweight to medium weights are worn in the south, while warmer clothes are worn in northern and central areas. Alpine wear is advised for winter mountain resorts.

Tourism Information

The Italian National Tourist Office in the US,
New York-Main office: 1 (212)245-4822.
US, California office: 1 (310) 820-6357.
Also visit the official web site of the Italian Government Tourist Board for Italian Tourism.

Italy

Italy

Perfect conditions for a romantic honeymoon - 3000 years of history, culture and cuisine. Italy has been shaped by a deep, rich and varied cultural history that has left its mark in the cities' architecture, museums, ancient ruins and even the restaurants. The flair of Rome gets under your skin and the breathtaking architecture is unforgettable. The small streets of Venice make you feel like you’re exploring an imaginary place. The treasures for the eye found around countless corners in Florence pleasure even the most traveled of honeymoon couples. The coastline and picturesque towns of the Amalfi coast create a magical atmosphere. There is no question that Italy gives honeymooners an extra slice of romance on their special vacation - just the question of where to go and what to leave out of a honeymoon in Italy is difficult to answer. You might just begin planning your second honeymoon in Italy while still on your first!

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Highlights

The Italian honeymoon can be very busy with Roman ruins, Renaissance art, and exploring the sites which include everything from mountains to beaches. If you like to shop, many Italian products are world-famous for their style and quality. Rome offers a wide choice of shops and markets. Venice is still famous for its glassware and Florence boasts some of the finest goldsmiths. If you'd rather relax, you can do so with the best pasta and wine in all of Europe. Italians will always warm your heart and soul with their great food and sincere appreciation for the art of hospitality.

Geography/Environment

Situated in Mediterranean Europe, Italy is a peninsula surrounded by the Adriatic, Ionian, Sicilian, Tyrrhenian, Sardinian and Ligurian seas. France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia share its borders to the north. The islands of Elba, Sardinia, Ischia, Capri, the Aeolians and Sicily lie offshore. Italy is very beautiful and offers a great deal of variety in its landscape. It has 5,310 miles of shoreline and mountains with peaks as high as 14,000 feet.

Activities

If the museums, galleries, historical buildings and espresso are not enough to occupy your time, there are plenty of options for outdoor fun. The Italian Alps are great for the long-distance hiker and are packed with plenty of excellent ski resorts. Camping is also a favorite activity enjoyed by both Italians and visitors. On the water you can windsurf and sail. Most beach resorts rent boats and all the gear you need. You can also grab a bicycle and see the country, which is a great way to work off the pasta and wine you'll be consuming since 75% of Italy is very hilly.

Climate and Weather

The climate in Italy varies with its geography and location. In the mountains, temperatures can range from warm during the day to cold at night. Summers in Italy tend to be hot and dry, but the coastal areas are cooled by gentle sea breezes. During the summer months, Italy is an international playground, with visitors from all over the world mingling with vacationing Italians at famous resorts. If you would like to enjoy Italy at a more leisurely pace, it is best to visit during the Spring (April-May) and Fall (October-November). This is a great time to see big cities that are rich in art treasures. The temperatures are pleasant, the crowds have abated and the scenery is beautiful!

Italy Honeymoon Resources

Destination Wedding Information

VALID U.S. PASSPORT or if a member of the Army forces and identification card;

A certified copy in "long firm" of the BIRTH CERTIFICATE containing the name of both mother and father. Birth certificate has to be TRANSLATED into Italian and be legalized with an APOSTILLE which is a seal affixed to a public record by the Secretary of State Notary Public of the State where the document was originated from. The translation has to be certified by a Consular Officer and then Apostilled by the Secretary of State Notary Public of the State where it was certified.

A FINAL DIVORCE DECREE (if applicable) OR DEATH CERTIFICATE of the previous spouse. A TRANSLATION of this document into Italian is required as well as its APOSTILLE. When obtaining the required birth certificate or divorce decree if applicable ASK THE ISSUING OFFICE FOR INSTRUCTION AND FEES FOR OBTAINING AN APOSTILLE.

ATTO NOTORIO (to be done in the States or in Italy if time doesn't allow): Is a declaration sworn by 4 witnesses before an Italian Consular Officer stating that there is no obstacle to his/her marriage. You must call your nearest Italian Consulate and set up an appointment for this to be done. Ask how many witnesses are needed. IMPORTANT: This can not be issued more than 3 months before the wedding otherwise it will expire.

NULLA OSTA OR SWORN STATEMENT (To be done in Italy): This document has to be done it before an U.S. Consular Officer (can be done in Milan, Trieste near Venice, Florence, Rome and Naples). This is a declaration stating that there is no obstacle according to USA laws for the marriage to take place in Italy. Witnesses are not required. Once this document has been issued has to be authenticated at the Prefecture.

Italy Reviews

I have been to the Northern part of Italy many times, however, one of my best trips was when I took my journey to Rome. I traveled with a small tour group company that travels off the beaten path and explores areas that most people don’t go to. We...

I recently took an escorted tour of Italy with Perillo tours. Being Italian I wanted to go and see the major the highlights of Italy that I had never been able to see before. My tour started out in Rome and that is where we took a tour of the entire...

Looking for some place away from the maddening crowd in Italy? I recently returned from a solo tour of what I call the Food Route of northern Italy. I found some pleasant surprises in the area.
Lake Garda, north of Brescia, is a delightful resort area...

<p>Rome, Florence, and Venice are three very different cities to explore, but each have their own unique charm. Rome is a very large, explorable city which has much to offer. There is Ancient history, such as the Forum, and Colosseum to see and...